This introduction to the Pauline Letters will take its ...

1 "This introduction to the Pauline Letters will take its place among the most accessible of its kind. Complicated history of exegesis is presented simply and comprehensibly. Summary boxes in the text and questions for review and reflection facilitate understanding. A particular strength is the focus on the theology and ethics of each letter . A final chapter completes the picture with brief presentations of the legacy of Paul in the early centuries of the church." Carolyn Osiek, RSCJC harles Fischer Catholic Professor of new testament , EmeritaBrite Divinity School At last, a responsible and interesting new volume on Paul s Letters for students!

2 I whole-heartedly recommend it. Clare K. RothschildAssociate Professor, Scripture StudiesLewis University, IL Daniel Scholz provides us with a very functional text that will work well for undergraduate or first-year seminary courses in Paul s let-ters. The occasion behind each letter is carefully set out, and the Theology and Ethics sections for each letter will prove helpful. The graphics within each chapter make it very user-friendly. The ques-tions at the end of each chapter will allow this to be readily put to use in academic courses. The final chapter, on such writings as Acts of Paul and Thecla, Third Corinthians, and Acts of Paul, also provides a helpful introduction to Paul s legacy in early Christianity.

3 I heart-ily recommend this book as a good candidate for courses on Paul s Letters . Mark ReasonerAssociate professor of theology Marian University7044_PaulineLetters 12/27/2013 8:37:58 AMAuthor AcknowledgmentsI offer my sincere thanks and gratitude to Kathleen Walsh and Maura Hagarty at Anselm Academic, and especially to Jim Kelhof-fer, for their enormous editorial contributions that brought this book to completion. Most importantly, I thank my wife, Bonnie, and our three children, Raymond, Andrew, and Danielle, for their patience and support throughout this writing project.

4 Publisher AcknowledgmentsThe publisher owes a special debt of gratitude to James A. Kelhoffer, PhD, who advised throughout this project. Dr. Kelhoffer s expertise and passion both as teacher and scholar contributed immeasurably to this work. Dr. Kelhoffer holds a PhD in new testament and Early Christian Literature from the University of Chicago and is professor of Old and new testament Exegesis at Uppsala University in publisher also wishes to thank the following individual who reviewed this work in progress:Jeffrey S. SikerLoyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, California7044_PaulineLetters 22/27/2013 8:38:11 AMIntroducing the New TestamentDaniel J.

5 ScholzJames A. Kelhoffer, Academic Editor7044_PaulineLetters 32/27/2013 8:38:21 AMCreated by the publishing team of Anselm art: Lorrain, Claude (Gellee) (1600 1682). The Embarkation of St. Paul of Rome at Ostia. Museo del Prado, Madrid, Spain. Scala / Art Resource, NYThe scriptural quotations in this book are from the New American Bible, revised edition 2010, 1991, 1986, and 1970 by the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., Washington, DC. Used by permission of the copyright owner. All rights reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the copyright 2013 by Daniel J.

6 Scholz. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced by any means without the written permission of the publisher, Anselm Academic, Christian Brothers Publications, 702 Terrace Heights, Winona, MN 55987-1320, in the United States of America7044 ISBN 978-1-59982-099-67044_PaulineLetters 42/27/2013 8:38:21 AMIntroduction: studying Paul and his Letters 9 PArt 1: the undisputed Pauline Letters 1. Paul of Tarsus 17 introduction / 17 Understanding and Interpreting Paul / 19 The Life and Letters of Paul / 35 2. First Thessalonians 56 introduction / 56 Historical Context of 1 Thessalonians / 57 Theology and Ethics of 1 Thessalonians / 68 3.

7 First Corinthians 79 introduction / 79 Historical Context of 1 Corinthians / 81 Theology and Ethics of 1 Corinthians / 92 4. Second Corinthians 108 introduction / 108 Historical Context of 2 Corinthians / 109 Theology and Ethics of 2 Corinthians / 120contents7044_PaulineLetters 52/27/2013 8:38:21 AM 5. Galatians 131 introduction / 131 Historical Context of Galatians / 132 Theology and Ethics of Galatians / 142 6. Romans 156 introduction / 156 Historical Context of Romans / 157 Theology and Ethics of Romans / 168 7. Philippians 181 introduction / 181 Historical Context of Philippians / 183 Theology and Ethics of Philippians / 195 8.

8 Philemon 205 introduction / 205 Historical Context of Philemon / 206 Theology and Ethics of Philemon / 215 PArt 2: the disputed Letters and Post- Pauline writings 9. Colossians, Ephesians, and Second Thessalonians 225 introduction / 225 Historical Context of Colossians, Ephesians, and 2 Thessalonians / 227 Theology and Ethics of Colossians, Ephesians, and 2 Thessalonians / 243 10. First Timothy, Second Timothy, and Titus 255 introduction / 255 Historical Context of the Pastoral Letters / 256 Theology and Ethics of the Pastoral Letters / 269 7044_PaulineLetters 62/27/2013 8:38:21 AM 11. Later Letters , Narratives, and the Apocalypse of Paul 279 introduction / 279 The Continuing Legacy of Paul / 280 Overview of the Later Letters , Narratives, and the Apocalypse of Paul / 292 Index 3037044_PaulineLetters 72/27/2013 8:38:21 AM7044_PaulineLetters 82/27/2013 8:38:21 AM9 Next to Jesus, no figure has had more influence in Christian tradi-tion and history than Paul.

9 In fact, studying Paul s Letters is essential for understanding Christianity. Fortunately, the Christian Scriptures provide plenty of source material to understand and interpret Paul. Just as the four Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John inform readers about Jesus, the thirteen Pauline Letters in the new testament provide information about Paul and his followers. In addition to these Letters , the new testament Acts of the Apostles also focus on Paul in its narrative of the early church s mission and development. Outside the Christian Scriptures, other Letters and narratives contribute to understanding Paul and his impact in Christian tradition and history.

10 One of the most important and surprising features of the thir-teen new testament Letters attributed to Paul is that some of these Letters most likely do not come directly from Paul. Of the thirteen Pauline Letters , scholars are convinced that seven are undisputed Letters of Paul. The seven undisputed Pauline Letters are Romans, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Philippians, 1 Thessalo-nians, and Philemon. Written between 50 and 60 CE, these Letters provide direct access to Paul and offer insights into the world of the first Christians. These seven Letters are the primary sources used today to understand and interpret Paul.